Why we have pets

hamster

For thousands of years, in every part of the world, people have kept animals as pets. Over half the families in North America today own a pet. The most popular pets are dogs, cats, fish, and birds, but rabbits, hamsters and turtles are also popular. Some people keep unusual animals, such as frogs, monkeys, and snakes. In Japan, mice are popular pets.

People first started to keep pets about 12,000 years ago. The first animal to be kept as a pet was the dog. The dog became a pet because it was useful to warn people of danger and it ate leftover food that could attract wild animals. Cats became pets when they were tamed by the Egyptians. When the Egyptians started to grow grain, mice ate it, so cats were needed to protect the grain.

Today, people keep many kinds of pets. All of these pets need care. Small animals such as birds and hamsters need people to bring them food and water and keep their cages clean. Dogs need to be walked every day, although a small dog can get most of its exercise by playing around the house. Cats are quieter and more independent than dogs, but they still need to be fed and petted.

Some people choose pets that are useful. For example, dogs can protect people's homes and can help people who are blind or deaf or who can't use their arms and legs. But most people have pets for pleasure. Pets can be good friends for people, especially for children and seniors.